12 positives about raising a child with autism? Really?

That’s what I thought when the title appeared on internet special needs group list. The link required investigation, so I gave it a click and ended up at a Brandi Shinn post. That was pretty cool because a couple months back, her list of 10 parent priorities was reviewed at DifferentDream.com, too.

12 Positive Lessons about Autism

So here’s a quick rundown of the 12 positives Brandi learned raising her child with autism.

1. 1. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Instead, Shinn says, enjoy today and take one day at a time.
   2. All things are possible. Brandi says her son has shown her “that with patience, endurance and hard work, all things are possible.”
   3. Everyone just needs a chance. Everyone needs someone to believe in them.
   4. God can and will use anyone who is willing. God sees potential.
   5. Not to judge. Her son, Will, doesn’t pay any attention to intelligence, social status, or your political standing. He either likes you or he doesn’t.
   6. Be honest. Say how you really feel, like her son does. Even when it would be more socially acceptable if he didn’t.
   7. Unconditional love. Brandi’s son taught her to love unconditionally.
   8. Forgiveness. Shinn says, “Having a child who is prone to these outbursts at times towards myself and others calls for a tremendous amount of forgiveness and often.”
   9. Rejoice in the small things. When milestones are reached, it is a huge time of celebration.
   10. Laughter is the best medicine. Shinn says, “…no matter how difficult a trial may seem, or how dark things may get, there is always a reason to smile, to laugh and to have joy.”
   11. Showing compassion and love. Because Will lacks social skills and lack of concern about the opinions of others, he doesn’t hesitate to show his mama love in public.
   12. Christians should not judge. Shinn states that “raising a child with autism or any special need you learn how judgmental others can be.” (She’s referring to fellow Christian believers.) She goes on to say, “Will has taught us to treat everyone with kindness, greet everyone with a smile, and to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.  When we begin to see everyone as a child of God and someone who might have their own issues to face, we will begin to judge others less and love more.”

Can You Add to the List?

Whatever your child’s special needs may be, I hope you’ve learned some positive lessons, too. If so, leave a comment to add to Brandi’s list.

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